Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 191,761 complaints - component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 19, 2026
Passenger side LED headlight low beam failed prematurely. Hi beam and parking lights worked for a few months until they failed. Same issue as reported by many Macan owners. Failure reported on only 1 side of the car appears to be a manufacturer design flaw.
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
I was driving the truck on my way to work in [XXX] , last March 12, 2026, at around 6:50 am. It was raining when I entered the exit ramp to work going west; the truck died, and the steering wheel locked. I tried to start it, but it wouldn't. The dashboard displayed: 'Trailer Park Brake Failed,' 'Power Steering Pump Needs Service,' and 'Axle Repair Error.' I was on the exit ramp for a highway that ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 9, 2026
I was sitting inside my parked car when I heard a loud pop sound from around the back trunk area, like a computer chip exploded. The car alerted me to check the ECS or battery management system and told me to pull over to safe location and don’t drive anymore. I relocated the car to another location and parked it but when I tried to start it again, nothing would power up. It appears the 12V batt... Read more
Incident date: Jun 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the speed limit warning system failed to function as intended. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the Heads-up Display (HUD) illuminated a red light and an unknown message about driving too slowly was displayed. The contact stated that the red light illuminated and flashed interm... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2022 Dutchmen Coleman Lantern RV. The contact stated that while his wife and niece were sleeping, the smoke alarm detector engaged. The vehicle occupants then noticed that the RV was on fire and immediately exited the RV. Other campers and the camping site workers extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact stated that the A/C vents had burnt. The vehicle was tak... Read more
Fire
HYUNDAI
SANTA FE SPORT
(2018) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Feb 27, 2026
the recall number is 14V-635 or P65\n\nsays electric defect causes fires from heater Year: 2014\nMake: RAM\nModel: 3500\nTrim: N/A\nSeries: N/A
Fire
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
Got a "power limited, check electrical system" warning when starting the car. Towed it to the dealership and they told me the ICCU failed and it needs to be replaced. It has been over 5 weeks and still waiting for the part to be back in stock.
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
The car had a recall repair to the steering system done due to it being sticky. But the issue has coma back again while driving on ramps and curvy roads. The steering requires significantly more effort and also has a feel of a ratchet. It also feels like a ratchet, when moving very slow and making tight turns. The car also had a recall battery replacement done for the MHEV battery and now the prob... Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2026
My 2018 Ford Expedition had an open recall for back up screens not working at all. I have a 2018 Ford Expedition Limited, purchased new for $72,000 in April 2018. The issues that have been repaired are endless however this one is a HUGE safety issue. It is a known issue and my VIN is not included in the recall. I called dealership and they will do a $285 “free” software fix as they did to the ... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
ICCU failure causing the car to go into low power mode. Tow required to get the car to the dealership for repair.
Incident date: Oct 16, 2025
I’d like to file a complaint regarding Hyundai Recall#290, a potential fire hazard with my cars “trailer wiring harness accessory module”, which Hyundai has not offered a remedy at this time. I spoke to Hyundai’s customer service representative yesterday (3/18/26) about this recall that’s now over a month old, and asked if I could get reimbursed for my out of pocket costs to remove the h... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
Backing out of driveway on 3/13/26, warning message appeared on dashboard- "Stop Vehicle and Check Power Supply." Had car towed to dealership (Ourisman Hyundai, Bowie, MD). On 3/16/26, service department advised the ICCU needed to be replaced, part was on back order with no ETA.
Incident date: Jan 10, 2026
When car is shifted into park, it does not register that. It is in park. Therefore the car keeps beeping, and you cannot leave the car in this position. This is the second time that we have had to address this problem once in 2021 and now in 2026 I believe that General motors should fix this problem without the consumer being charged to have it corrected.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2021) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Approximately 3 years ago we noticed water accumulating in the rear light. They refer to it as a race track light bar. Went to dealer who said not covered under warranty, and it would be $1,455 to replace. I did not have the money at that time to replace it. So we kept draining the water, as I noticed the light getting dimmer. I charged the $1455 and replaced it. 1/8/23. I did find that there wer... Read more
Incident date: Feb 28, 2026
ICCU Failure. Vehicle underwent deal TSB for ICCU failure resolution prior to still failing months later.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 2500
(2024) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
The ICCU failed after completing all required recalls. The car stopped working while driving. The car losing power while driving could have created an accident had I not pulled over in time. The part was replaced by Hyundai under warranty and is now fixed.
Incident date: Jun 19, 2025
I would like to update my previous safety concern since both concerns are related to separate recall issues. This concern is related to my vehicle experiencing potential electrical issues which appear to be similar to the same 12-volt battery management failures that are currently recalled in the Bronco Sport models. The "Charging System Service Now" alarm continues to pop up, sometimes every 30 s... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2026
About 3 hours into a 4 hour drive (while the car was only months old, with just 1800 miles), the sound switched from playing the radio at a normal volume to suddenly extraordinarily loud crackle, static, popping noises. The noise continued at this indescribably high volume for about one minute while I tried anything to help -- I tried adjusting the volume knob, unplugging my phone (which was plugg... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
After hearing a sudden loud pop, my car lost all power. I was able to pull to the side of a busy 2 lane road. It was dangerous and scary to be stranded alone on a very busy road. The car had to be towed to the dealership. It took 48 days to replace the ICCU, fuses and the coolant. The service manager said this is a known issue.
Incident date: Jan 7, 2026
My vehicle is experiencing potential electrical issues which appear to be similar to the same 12-volt battery management failures that are currently recalled in the Bronco Sport models. The "Charging System Service Now" alarm continues to pop up, sometimes every 30 seconds. I am also not able to use my communication and navigation system, and I am not sure if this is related to the same electrical... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2025 Ram 2500. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). Local dealers were contacted and advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufactur... Read more
Incident date: Jun 12, 2024
While driving the car the car will suddenly stop working, it will be unable to accelerate. When this happens a multitude of alerts display on the screen. The car is very dangerous to drive and I’m concerned someone may die if this car is not recalled for safety.
Incident date: Feb 6, 2026
I was driving and the car gave an electrical system warning, slowed, and thereafter would not go above about 20mph. Fortunately this happened on a local, low speed limit street. I'd rather not think about what might have happened if this had happened on a highway. The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) is no longer working as it should. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer/manuf... Read more
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2025) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Aug 7, 2025
NHTSA 20V-061 (Hyundai 188): ABS/HECU Module NHTSA 15V-100 (Hyundai 127): Electric Power Steering (EPS) NHTSA 13V-113 (Hyundai 110): Brake Light Switch
Incident date: Feb 21, 2026
On three occasions when I have started the truck, there is a deafening sound from the speaker system that sounds like a pop with glass shattering. Then it had a loud static sound that can't be silenced and the volume button does nothing. After turning the truck off for 5-10 minutes the problem resolves, though it does continue for several minutes after turning the truck off.
Incident date: Feb 1, 2026
Rear climate control system fails to provide cooled air to the second and third rows during normal vehicle operation. Front vents produce cold air while rear vents blow warm to hot air despite temperature settings at minimum, high fan speed, and recirculation enabled. The condition has been present since vehicle delivery and has persisted despite three repair attempts by an authorized dealership.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I was merging into traffic on interstate. The car lagged as if it wasn't getting gas. I pulled over to get out of traffic. Scary situation. Please advise!
Incident date: Sep 23, 2025
Good afternoon, I am an owner of a 2002 Lincoln Nautilus. I wanted to report an electrical/battery issue with the vehicle that started a year and a half ago. In the past year and a half I have had 2 battery replacements with the most recent one being changed end of December of 2025 and in early March the battery went again so it's not even 3 months that it lasted. The battery completely dies a... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 7, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Cadillac XT5. The vehicle was recently purchased, and while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified and sent a mobile mechanic to the residence to diagnose the vehicle... Read more
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Jan 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Flex. The contact stated that after the vehicle was parked, it became inoperable, and the Push-to-Start button failed to function. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V695000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but... Read more
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Door cannot be opened during power loss / emergency. I am a Tesla Model 3 owner in California. I discovered that the rear doors do not have a mechanical emergency release. Tesla service confirmed that my vehicle does not include any manual rear emergency door release system. This raises a serious safety concern because, in the event of a crash, fire, or 12V power failure, rear passengers—especi... Read more
Incident date: Sep 19, 2024
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure while driving, related to the DC converter. Warning lights did appear prior to the failure; however, I was driving down a mountainous road and do not recall the exact messages. Shortly after, the vehicle shut down and lost power, causing it to roll to a stop in active traffic. At the time of the incident, I was partially in the road... Read more
Incident date: Dec 17, 2025
Electronic Power Steering just stopped all of a sudden while I was going up the mountain into North Carolina that almost caused an accident the only reason it didn’t is because of the pull off right after the curve I was going through when I lost all steering! With the truck already in the pull off I stopped to see if I had lost a serpentine belt unaware this Ram is equipped with the EPS System.... Read more
Incident date: Mar 19, 2026
I am reporting a life-threatening incident involving my 2020 Ford Fusion PHEV. On December 5, 2025, while my wife was driving on a public street, the vehicle suffered a sudden, complete engine failure followed by smoke and fire originating from the high-voltage battery pack in the trunk. There were no prior warning signs or dashboard alerts before the incident. This vehicle was sold via IAAI aucti... Read more
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 2, 2026
My Ford F150 randomly won't start.It also randomly down shifts while driving.There have been times I've been driving 50mph and the transmission starts down shifting on its own.
Incident date: Dec 1, 2025
My Acadia keeps an error message of "Shift to Park" this has been happening on and off for about 8 months. Now it goes on every time I try to shut my car off. I have to stop and start it up to 20 times before it shuts off. I am concerned that I may be somewhere and won't be able to turn it off. I know there have been recalls for this and I need this repaired. It's obviously a flaw on GMC and hones... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The ICCU failed. The car makes a loud pop sound and then the dashboard lights up. You are stranded wherever it fails because the car isn’t drivable after it happens. The car was inspected by the dealership. There were no warnings before it happened.
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 6, 2026
The ICCU has failed for the 2nd time in a year requiring lengthy repairs. The car cannot be driven with a faulty ICCU. The ICCU is responsible for converting AC power to DC for and stepping it up to 800 volts to charge the primary battery. It is also responsible for keeping the secondary 12 volt battery charged.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2025
Receiving Front Camera Malfunction Service required warning. Also receiving pre-collision assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency break system warnings. Other systems likely disabled. Found that there was a TSB issued for the same year but on the F-150. DTC's C1001:31, U3000:89, U3000:49. This issue is likely caused by faulty cable connections where condensation has caused corrosio... Read more
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
The ICCU electrical system failed for the 2 nd time owning the car. Resulting in another 2 month wait to get it repaired. The dealer says they put the same part in, that may fail again.
JEEP
GRAND WAGONEER
(2022) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: May 1, 2025
This is in regards to well known issue with the E-Torque MGU generator equipped on this vehicle. The internal bearing is failing causing a whining and grinding sound and results in a loss of electrical power that causes the vehicle to stall and not restart when the auto start/stop feature is engaged, which has happened to me once. I have had a dealer confirm this component failure and the vehicle ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 21, 2025
The front passenger seat lumbar/massage system malfunctioned and inflated without user input to maximum capacity. The lumbar air bladder became over-pressurized and created a large, hard, immovable bulge in the center of the seatback. The system will not properly deflate and remains in this condition. The failed component appears to be the lumbar/massage module and valve system, which is electron... Read more
Incident date: Mar 11, 2020
The card radio unit continues to have a static noise coming even with radio being turned off. I believe many have the same complaints of a default radio unit.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mar 19, 2026
Incident date: Mar 18, 2026
Electrical problems have been occurring. My lights keep getting dim, then bright. Check engine light is on, the truck is making a loud noise, overheating, battery draining fast. Please note that the battery is new, starter is new, water pump is new , I got new engine fans, radiator and the truck is still running hot, battery dies over night. I need some help this is my only vehicle and I've spent ... Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
The heated seats in my 2007 GMC Yukon Denali caught fire to my car .The fur department came and the fire marshal came out and wrote a report stating it was from the heated seats what caused the fire when I need to I will abtain the report for the fire marshal I'm so glad my son and I were not in the car
Fire
Incident date: Mar 15, 2026
After starting the car, a message displayed on dashboard "Check Electrical System." I tried driving the car out of the garage and then a message displayed to the effect of "Stop the car and check battery." I called the dealer and they said to have the car towed to them. After having the car towed to the dealer, they ended up replacing the Integrated Charging Control System (ICCU) and fuse. The d... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2025
UNKNOWN Driver door will not lock via key fob or button. Actuator appears to be faulty. Car has been left unlocked without me knowing numerous time. I have to manually lock/unlock the door. It does stay locked durning driving but, may be manually locked. The auto lock safety feature no longer works.
Incident date: Mar 13, 2026
I had 93u9 criteria 04 recall done in February. As of March 6, I had a no power supply message. Without being able to charge it went to the dealer. They said it was the charge port assembly but not from the recall since that was software. Once that was fixed they charged the car and it immediately had the fault electrical malfunction. Now they say i need to replace the rear drive motor. Then thy c... Read more